How it started:
Lars M. Lewander established Spring Water Asset Management (SWAM) on August 3, 2009, with a core commitment to integrity, sustainable growth, and philanthropy. SWAM was a registered investment advisor that specialized in socially responsible investing (SRI) until it ceased operations in 2016. It was a response to the corporate irresponsibility that plagued Wall Street firms like Lehman Brothers, Enron, and Arthur Andersen.
Despite the conclusion of Spring Water's activities, the passion for Investing Your Values persisted, gradually evolving into a decision to pursue a doctorate in ethical investing. The objective mirrored that of Spring Water Asset Management, as Investing Your Values sought to advance the understanding of business ethics and sustainable investing. The firm was incorporated on August 28, 2023, under the name Investing Your Values LLC and extended the groundwork initiated in 2009, now focused on providing education to individuals, investors, and financial institutions.
What inspired me:
When my children, Philip and Isabella, were younger, they loved snuggling up at bedtime, eager for stories from my childhood. My father, an Arctic ranger, often led our family on hikes in the Swedish mountains near the Arctic Circle. Despite the challenging conditions—wet, cold, and hiking 15 to 20 kilometers daily—exploring the wilderness was a remarkable experience.
The pristine environment allowed me to drink meltwater directly from mountain streams. When my kids asked about the taste, I likened it to the purity of spring water. However, when they wondered if they would ever experience it, I hesitated, realizing such moments couldn't be taken for granted anymore.
I explained to them that environmental degradation, driven by our excessive demand for unnecessary goods, had compromised the landscapes we once enjoyed. This realization prompted me to honestly reply, "I don't know." When they pressed further, I elaborated on the impact of our pollution and consumption habits.
Out of this concern, Spring Water Asset Management got its name. My children played a crucial role in shaping the company's leaf and water logo, collaborating with graphic designer Steve Kerlin at Kerlin Design & Consulting. This visual representation and the mantra "Investing Your Values" embody my vision and mission for Spring Water.
This mantra guided my doctoral work and marked the start of a new venture. It remains my driving force, keeping me focused, committed to adding value, and dedicated to honing my skills to create opportunities for as many people as possible.
